New plumbing laws will come into effect on 1 November marking the biggest change to the State’s plumbing and drainage industry in many years.
Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett said the new laws would reduce red tape, delays and costs for industry, local government and consumers.
“To prepare for the new laws, the Plumbing Industry Council has been hosting free seminars across the State over the next month to ensure plumbers, drainers, industry representatives, local governments and the public are aware of how the reforms will affect them,” Mr Bennett said.
“The changes to the law create a new category of work called ‘notifiable work’ and will expand the amount of routine work a plumber or drainer can perform on existing buildings without the need for approvals or inspections.
“Notifiable work will include most plumbing and drainage work performed in existing homes including kitchen and bathroom renovations, installing or replacing hot water heaters, installing fixtures such as showers and sinks and extending or altering pipe work.”
The Plumbing Industry Council held a seminar for Bundaberg plumbers on 24th September, covering the schedules of work, lodgement processes, auditing and compliance requirements.
Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland President Bob Kimlin said the new laws were a win for all involved.
“Plumbers and drainers will have the opportunity to self-assess and complete jobs at a faster rate,” Mr Kimlin said.
“Consumers will also be able to have work on their properties assessed and approved more quickly and Councils will no longer have the costs associated with conducting so many mandatory inspections.